Volvo C30 Electric tested under harsh winter conditions

Electrically powered version of the Volvo C30 was exposed harshest winter to ensure that the battery powered vehicle can run smoothly and at temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.

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Volvo C30 Electric requirements are as stringent as in other Volvo models and the model was subjected to the same level of testing. Furthermore, several new testing methods have been developed specifically for electric vehicles. In total, the Volvo C30 was subjected to more than 200 different tests.

"We must ensure that the C30 Electric was working as designed and when and where it is parked or driving in various weather conditions, from normal to very hot or very cold. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to test the sub-zero temperatures, "said Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles Department.

Electric Volvo C30 is equipped with three air-conditioning systems:

One for the passenger to heat or cool passengers

One for cooling or heating, if necessary, the battery pack

One electric motor and its electronics, water-cooled.

C30 Electric has an innovative solution makes it possible to heat in the passenger comfortably in winter, without compromising battery life. Passenger air conditioning system works with ethanol, every car with a tank of 14.5 liters. Climate control unit can run on electricity from the battery. "The driver can program and control unit depending on the type of travel climate. Ethanol is the main source used when capacity is used for driving, extending to a maximum mobility. However, over short distances, electricity can be used to operate the air conditioning system, "explains Lennart Stegland.

At the Auto Show in Detroit in January 2010, Volvo introduced the C30-electric, with a range of 150 km. The next step will be to build a test fleet of 50 vehicles that will be used in real traffic conditions in 2011.